Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that saves lives and reduces potential injury by quickly locating adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or other related conditions.
How does Project Lifesaver work?
Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around their wrist or ankle that emits a unique tracking signal. If the client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and a trained search team responds to the wanderer’s last known area. On average, Project Lifesaver clients are located within 30 minutes.

Who can enroll in Project Lifesaver?
Any adult or child who meets all of the following criteria:
• Lives in Durham County
• Has a physician-diagnosed brain disorder

FAQs

What is Project Lifesaver?

Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that saves lives and reduces potential injury by quickly locating adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or other related conditions.

How does Project Lifesaver work?

Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around their wrist or ankle that emits a unique tracking signal. If the client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Durham County Sheriff's Office and a trained search team responds to the wanderer's last known area. On average, Project Lifesaver clients are located within 30 minutes.

Who can enroll in Project Lifesaver?

Any adult or child who meets all of the following criteria:
' Lives in Durham County
' Has a physician-diagnosed brain disorder
' Is known to wander away from caregivers

How much does it cost to participate in Project Lifesaver?

Project Lifesaver is a free service provided by the Sheriff's Office thanks to generous community donations and government grants. Regular donations are needed to buy Project Lifesaver equipment for those who need protection, but may not have the financial resources to participate. For more information about making a donation, please call 919-560-0871.

How do I enroll a loved one in Project Lifesaver?

Download the application HERE, complete it, and return it to the Sheriff's Office via email to TMJones@DurhamSheriff.orgor mail it to Durham County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Lt. Tisha Jones, 510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, you will be asked to review and agree to the terms of a user agreement contract which is available for download HERE, or visit the Durham County Sheriff's Project Lifesaver page.

I've turned in the application, how long before my loved one is enrolled in Project Lifesaver?

Your application will be typically be reviewed within 10 business days of receipt, after which a Sheriff's Office representative will contact you to explain the next steps of enrollment. Please note that due to limited equipment availability, your loved one may be placed on a wait list. Currently, the Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver program is limited to a small number of clients as we work to increase the number of available transmitters.

I've been placed on the wait list, but I don't want to wait and I have the means to purchase a transmitter, may I do so?

Project Lifesaver equipment must be purchased by the Sheriff's Office directly from Project Lifesaver. The general public is not allowed to purchase equipment. However, you may make a donation to Project Lifesaver and request that it be designated for use by the Durham County Sheriff's Office. For more information about making a donation, please go to Project Lifesaver's Livesaver Angels program website.